Through eight home dates, the Minutemen have attracted 35,588 fans for an average of 4,488. That's only 78 fans per game less than No.15 Maine.

Wisconsin leads the nation with 11,175 per game. North Dakota is second at 11,027, and Minnesota is third with 9,232.

The Mullins Center is listed as the sixth largest college hockey building in the country with a capacity of 8,373.

Boston College is the top home draw in Hockey East, and fifth overall, at 6,223 in the Conte Forum, which seats 7,884.

Boston University is second in Hockey East, 11th overall, with an average of 5,296 over eight dates. The Agganis Arena seats 6,221. New Hampshire is next in the conference and 12th overall with an average of 5,232. The Whittemore Center sellout figure is 6,110.

UMass-Lowell is fourth in the conference and 13th overall. The River Hawks don't need to put a tarp over the seats at the end of Tsongas Arena anymore to make it look more crowded. They are averaging 5,087 in a building that holds 6,496.

Attendance will slip off some for the games while school is on break, and the end of year crowds will depend on whether or not the Minutemen are in the mix.

UMass is undefeated at home at 5-0-3. The next home game is Jan. 13 against Boston College. The students will be gone on break.